On the ecology of the nereididae (polychaeta: annelida) in the bay of İzmir, aegean sea

Distribution patterns of nereidid species were studied in the Bay of İzmir and its vicinity by sampling various habitats and by applying ecological indices. 15 species were identified, with Platynereis dumerilii, Nereis zonata and Ceratonereis costae being the most abundant species. Peculiar habitats such as brackish water, polluted water and the sponge community were characterized by a high dominance level of Hediste diversicolor, Neanthes caudata and Ceratonereis costae respectively. A cluster analysis to distinguish species and habitat associations was used. © 2001 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.